Should I be scared to get a tummy tuck?

It's normal and common to be anxious before a plastic surgery, but if you know how to prepare for a procedure like tummy tuck, or you have an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon beside you who can explain the cosmetic procedure and the recovery that comes after, then there is no need to worry.

Are there risks to a tummy tuck?

A tummy tuck poses various risks, including: Fluid accumulation beneath the skin (seroma). Drainage tubes left in place after surgery can help reduce the risk of excess fluid. Your doctor might also remove fluid after surgery using a needle and syringe.

When should you not get a tummy tuck?

Obese or overweight. Body Mass Index (BMI) over 30. Any previous clotting issues or surgical complications. Currently taking any medications, anticoagulants, or supplements that might interfere.

Are tummy tucks worth it?

The short answer is yes; this treatment is totally worth it. Most patients start to see incredible results after about three months, and by six months after the treatment, they are amazed by how different their bodies look. Sometimes, the belly keeps getting flattered and better looking for up to a year.

Should you be at ideal weight for tummy tuck?

Expect to be at a stable weight before your tummy tuck

It is important that you be close to your desired weight for six to twelve months before undergoing a tummy tuck. Most surgeons will recommend patients be between 10-15 pounds from their goal weight.

Fear of Death: How Safe is Cosmetic Surgery?

What they don't tell you about tummy tucks?

One thing people don't realize about a tummy tuck is that after the surgery it can be difficult to sit or stand upright. You'll want to have someone on hand to help you get around your home and help with daily tasks that you might not be up to, such as washing the dishes, getting the mail or doing the laundry.

Will my pant size change after a tummy tuck?

Most women lose between 2 and 3 pants sizes after a tuck, but there are patients who lose even more. If you had a lot of loose skin before the procedure, for example, you could go down 4 more pants sizes.

How painful is a tummy tuck recovery?

If you are planning to have a tummy tuck, you should be prepared for one to two months of recovery, and you may experience pain throughout this time. In general, pain is mild to moderate after a tummy tuck. Rarely, pain or sensory abnormalities can persist for months or even years after the procedure.

What happens 2 weeks after tummy tuck?

What happens 2 weeks after a tummy tuck? At 2 weeks, there is still swelling in the treatment area, however, the pain, bruising, and feeling of tightness are starting to ease. The patient should continue to wear compression garments.

How can you tell someone has a tummy tuck?

What is the maximum BMI for tummy tuck?

In order to get the best results from a tummy tuck procedure, you need to be your ideal weight and BMI. A BMI that is less than 30 is considered to be ideal for a tummy tuck procedure. Of course, you can still have the surgery even if you're overweight and still get good results.

Is a tummy tuck painful?

There will be some discomfort after a tummy tuck, with the worst discomfort experienced within the first week. On a scale of 1 – 10, pain is often estimated at around a 6-7 for the the first few days to a week, reducing to around a 3 – 4 in the second week. This would, of course, depend on the individual.

How long does a tummy tuck procedure take?

How long does a tummy tuck take? On the day of your procedure, you should plan to be at the surgery center for at least 3 ½ hours. The surgery itself takes approximately 2 1/2 hours in surgery and the remaining time will be spent administering anesthesia and preparing you to go home.

What is the death rate of a tummy tuck?

The mortality rate for outpatient surgery is 0.25–0.50 per 100,000 procedures. The mortality rate today for liposuction is 1.3:50,000. The mortality rate for abdominoplasty is 1:10–13,000.

How do I prepare for a tummy tuck?

How long will a tummy tuck last?

Tummy tuck results are considered permanent in that the skin and fat cells that Dr. Greenwald removes during the procedure cannot grow back. Likewise, any internal sutures that he places to repair stomach muscles are designed to remain in place indefinitely.

Can I push to poop after tummy tuck?

Even though light movement is recommended, you should avoid moderate to heavy movement, as this will do the exact opposite and slow your recovery. Don't push your body before it's ready.

Why are my thighs bigger after tummy tuck?

During body contouring procedures like a tummy tuck, fat cells are eliminated from the body and cannot return. Because of this, patients may gain weight in other places like the buttocks, legs, arms, and breasts.

How long after a tummy tuck can I drive?

Driving & Returning to Work

In general, you should not drive until you've been off of your prescription pain medication for at least 24 hours and can safely operate a vehicle in traffic. You may be able to drive and return to a desk job as early as two weeks after a tummy tuck.

Is tummy tuck pain worse than C section?

Whether you're contemplating a Mommy Makeover package or just want to undergo a tummy tuck, you'll be relieved to know that any pain from this cosmetic procedure is far less than that experienced after a C-section.

How do you go to the bathroom after a tummy tuck?

Toilet Seat Booster

Generally, toilets are fairly low to the ground and we don't realize this until some part of our legs, pelvis or core is sore. After a tummy tuck, getting low enough to sit down on the toilet can be difficult and uncomfortable. A toilet seat booster may just be your new best friend.

How long after tummy tuck can I stand up straight?

It's normal to feel tired while you are healing. It can take 5 to 6 weeks for your energy to return. You may not be able to stand up straight when you come home. You'll need to get up and walk every day to regain your normal movement.

How do you cough after a tummy tuck?

Depending on the surgery you had, support your incision firmly with your hands or a small pillow before you try to cough. Breathe in deeply and cough firmly. If you cough up some mucous, clear it into a tissue. Repeat the coughing until there isn't any more mucous.

Do your thighs swell after tummy tuck?

As the body repairs blood and lymphatic vessels, the swelling should continue to resolve. This healing process can take up to a year or longer to complete, so it is common to see minor swelling in that time.

How long should you sleep in a recliner after a tummy tuck?

Plastic surgery recovery from a miniature tummy tuck only requires 1 – 3 weeks of resting in a reclined position, while a full or extended tummy tuck may take about 4 – 6 weeks.